Be Bushfire Smart

The granite reef is covered by forests of bull kelp and shipwreck remains, as well as a diverse range of invertebrates and more than 20 species of reef fish.

For those who don't want to get wet but still wish to view the sanctuary's fauna, passing Australian Fur Seals can often be seen resting on the reef.

Shipwrecks that have occurred on Beware Reef located within the Marine Sanctuary include: Ridge Park (1878): Cargo steamer that ran into the reef due to inattentiveness by the Captain. The widely scattered remains of the SS Ridge Park include the straight stemmed triangular bow structure, winch, a squashed boiler, the engine, propeller and broken up hull plating in 7 - 24 metres depth on the north-western side of Beware Reef.

SS Auckland (1871): A iron hulled cargo and transport vessel that ship ran into the reef due to a compass that had not been adjusted after considerable modification to the ship. The SS Auckland has now collapsed down the reef slope with the result that the bow and rudderpost of this once 65 metre long vessel now lie 25 metres from each other in 19-26 metres depth. Of particular interest are the modified engine and four bladed propeller (two blades are broken), with propeller shaft lying on top as it has bent back over the rudder/ rudder post, and the triangular bow section lying on its port side with the gracefully curved clipper stem cemented into the reef.

Albert San (1915): A steel hulled fishing trawler that hit the reef due to faulty navigation. None of the wreck is visible on the Reef.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners
Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, the Bidawal and Nindi-Ngudjam Ngarigu Monero identify the Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary as their Traditional Country.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria .

Where there is enough light, the upper reef is covered in a dense canopy of brown seaweeds, interspersed with meadows of furry green and red seaweeds. On another is a pink garden of encrusting coralline algae, kept free of large kelps by the voracious appetite of the Back Sea urchin hiding during the day under ledges. At night large Maori Octopuses lurk amongst the kelp stalks.

Lower down the reef, steep walls plunge into the depths of the sea. These walls are covered with filter-feeding animals such as large finger sponges, brilliant red sea fans, sea tulips, long sinuous sea-whips and carpets of orange anemones. Out of every crevice, pink and blue brittle stars stick their spiny arms out into the water to feed. Green, orange and white feather stars are abundant between rocks.

Fish are prolific on the reef. Trumpeters, Old Wives, Long-Snouted Boarfish, wrasses, morwongs and sea sweep patrol the rocks. Port Jackson Sharks and Wobbegong Sharks can be seen resting in sandy hollows. Even whales are occasionally seen further out to sea.

Adjacent to the Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary on the mainland is Cape Conran Coastal Park near Marlo in East Gippsland, which is 11,700 hectares in area. Habitats within the park that provide a buffer to the Marine Sanctuary include heathlands, wild ocean beaches and banksia woodlands.

Creature Features

Long-Snouted Boarfish (Pentaceropsis recurvirostris)
The Long-Snouted Boarfish can be seen guarding small territories in the crevices and caves of Beware Reef. It is found on the deeper sections of the reef and also occurs in other waters down to over 150 metres, which is far deeper than the waters of Bass Strait. The Long-Snouted Boarfish is effective at prying into rocky crevices in search of invertebrates and the fish is one of the few that feeds on brittle stars and feather stars. Growing to around 50 centimetres, Long-Snouted Boarfish are at their most stunning with their fins fully extended. However, this sight is becoming increasingly rare on heavily fished reefs where the species has declined. Long-Snouted Boarfish are only found in the waters of southeastern Australia.

Geological, Hydrological and Landform Features

Beware Reef is composed of a granite outcrop that emerges from the sandy floor of this region off the Gippsland coast. Rising from a depth of around 25 metres the reef is visible at low tide and is often subjected to waves during high tide.

• enjoy the marine environment without removing the plants and animals
• minimise your impact while diving and snorkelling by:
  • being careful to avoid damage to marine life caused by fins
  • developing good skills in buoyancy control
  • securing all gauges and pressure hoses to avoid snagging them on objects
• take any rubbish home with you - do not dump rubbish into the sea
• avoid stressing marine life by not chasing or grabbing free-swimming animals
• exercise great care if approached by large marine animals (including birds) & avoid blocking their paths if moving
• take care where you anchor your boat (anchor in sand, rubble or mud, avoiding sensitive areas, and use mooring buoys where provided)
• do not pollute the water with sewage - ensure that if your vessel has an onboard toilet that it has an approved sewage holding facility and that sewage is disposed of appropriately on land
• take the time to learn more about Victoria's marine animals and plants and the habitats they depend upon.

Remember, Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries are NO TAKE ENVIRONMENTS. All objects (artefacts), animals eg. fish and crustaceans, plants, and the seabed are totally protected.

SCUBA diving is a potentially high-risk activity and should only be undertaken by appropriately qualified people that have completed recognised training and certification. Victoria's cool water environments can be extremely challenging to those used to diving in warmer waters so ensure that local knowledge is sought before undertaking a dive in a new location. Dive charter operators can provide some of the best advice on diving in Victoria.

Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuaries Resource Kit – This education resources kit contains a comprehensive collection of many materials produced by Parks Victoria in relation to the Marine National Park system including lesson ideas for teachers and links to other resources.

• Bemm River Scenic Reserve
• Cape Conran Coastal Park
• Corringle Beach Foreshore Reserve
• Croajingalong National Park